
From January 27 to January 30, 2025, Beyond Zero hosted the Adolescent Boys and Young Men (ABYM) Leadership Bootcamp in Clarens, Free State. This transformative initiative brought together young men to equip them with essential life skills, leadership tools, and health education to drive positive change in their communities.
The ABYM Bootcamp focused on key areas that empowered young men to become ambassadors of change. Participants engaged in self-awareness and emotional intelligence exercises, communication and leadership development, and discussions on reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender-based violence (GBV).
“The ABYM Bootcamp aimed to equip participants with essential life skills, reproductive health knowledge, leadership skills, and advocacy tools,” said Beyond Zero ABYM Coordinator, Sifisa Manqele. “The bootcamp covered important topics, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, conflict resolution, reproductive health, HIV & TB awareness, human rights, gender equity, and gender-based violence,” Sifisa added.
One of the attendees, Qenehelo, expressed his excitement: “I was happy to attend the ABYM Bootcamp because I believed I would learn a lot about life skills, HIV prevention, and STIs.”
One of the core objectives of the bootcamp was to equip young men with the knowledge and skills to prevent HIV and TB, understand sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), and break harmful gender norms that contribute to GBV. By fostering positive masculinity, conflict resolution, and effective decision-making, the programme created leaders who would champion healthier relationships and safer communities.
Reflecting on his experience, Thabo, another participant, shared: “I didn’t know much about communicating effectively, correct condom use, and human rights, but now I can say that I’ve learned, and I’ll teach my peers who were not able to attend.”
Throughout the bootcamp, participants engaged in practical workshops, group discussions, and real-life case studies to reinforce their learning. By the end of the programme, they were equipped not only to take control of their own futures but also to advocate for their peers and create lasting change in their communities.
Beyond Zero remains committed to empowering young men to lead, educate, and inspire, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.